Jim Horn (born in Los Angeles in 1940) is an American saxophonist, flutist, and woodwind player who has enjoyed an illustrious career as a session musician and solo artist. With a career spanning over six decades, Horn has contributed to countless iconic recordings in rock, pop, R&B, and country genres, earning him a reputation as one of the most sought-after session musicians in the music industry.
Growing up in a musical family, Horn quickly developed a passion for the instrument, and his natural talent led to his first professional gig at just 16 years old. He fell in love with R&B saxophonists, listening to King Curtis, Plas Johnson, Hank Crawford and Clifford Scott.
His friendship with Steve Douglas led to Horn becoming a member of the famous Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who played on a significant number of hit records during the 1960s and 1970s.
Throughout his career, Horn has played on recordings for some of the biggest names in music, including The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, and Elton John. He was a member of the horn section for the legendary Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour and was part of George Harrison’s 1971 Concert for Bangladesh. In 1969, Horn joined the band Canned Heat for their historic performance at Woodstock.
As a solo artist, Jim Horn has released several albums showcasing his exceptional skills as a musician and composer. His solo work includes the critically acclaimed albums “Through the Eyes of a Horn” (1972), “Jim’s Horn” (1973), and “Work It Out” (1988), among others.
In addition to his extensive work in the studio and on stage, Horn has also contributed to numerous film scores, including “Forrest Gump” and “The Lion King,” further demonstrating his versatility and the depth of his talents.
Jim Horn’s remarkable career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for music. With his unique ability to seamlessly adapt to a wide variety of musical styles, he has left an indelible mark on the world of popular music, earning him a place among the most respected and admired session musicians of all time.
Page last updated 11/26/2023.
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